In conjunction with New York Fashion Week, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report provides a comprehensive overview of fashion designers’ use of color in their Spring 2017 collections. Featuring the top 10 shades seen on the runway, the PANTONE Fashion Color Report is your essential color guide to the season.

Unless you dress in all black (I’ve been guilty of that from time to time), this palette really has something for everyone. I love the fact that it isn’t too pastel, or too neon, just a nice medium array of jewel tones that in my opinion, are reminiscent of fashion of the nineteen sixties. I believe that we will be seeing more sixties inspired prints this season as well, thanks to styles recently re-introduced to the runway by Roberto Cavalli…

As stated in studies of color psychology, color can manipulate mood. Think about the weather and the seasons… With the exception of the oh so glorious Christmas season, is Winter not the dreariest time of year? There’s something about that first glimpse of Spring that puts a smile on everyone’s face (similar to this lovely palette of naturalistic hues). In Atlanta, the masses flock to patios all over the city, moving the party outside. Piedmont Park is bustling with dog walkers, picnickers, frisbee throwers, and Mimosa drinkers. My husband says that when he sees the first bumblebees, he knows we’re out of the dark. So bring your shades, because we’re about to have another “Summer of Love”.

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A couple of years ago I was looking to have a portrait made of our dog a.k.a. “our little pumpkin spice puppy”, Kobi. I knew that I wanted a watercolor, and preferably something quirky. I found Sarah on Etsy, and it was a complete coincidence that she hailed from the ATL. Sold.

Sarah captured Kobi’s sassy demeanor to a tee. She’s painted people’s dogs, cats, and other pets. Many people buy them as gifts, perhaps even for a loved one who has lost a pet and would like to memorialize them in the form of a watercolor painting. You can find more information, including prices on Sarah’s Etsy page: ArtbySarahEngland

Born and raised in Georgia, Sarah graduated with a BFA from University of West Ga and unlike many, can proudly say that she makes a living as a full time artist. Although she has several side “hustles”, such as assisting a jewelry maker, and selling clay sculptures of the moon, Sarah is a painter, specializing in watercolor.

“I am so thankful that with an inspired mind, my left hand, and just a paint brush or pencil, I can be self-sustainable.”

Besides her own mother, who is a talented watercolor artist in her own right, Sarah says that seeing work by local artists inspires her most to create more work of her own. Sarah’s studio lies within her apartment. Above her workspace hangs a map of the U.S., with a pin in each city where her work hangs. What a cool reminder of what she’s accomplished and to just keep moving forward… There are a lot of pins on this map and from what I’ve learned, she needs to upgrade to a map of the world. Maybe soon…

Much of Sarah’s recent work has had a moody tone, characterized with a darker neutral palette. I knew that Sarah was the one who should paint our family portrait. But we didn’t sit for her. This is her tribute to our love of Halloween. All I can say is that I couldn’t be happier.

I can tell you from experience, watercolor painting is not an easy medium. This girl has talent. You can find existing work for sale, or commission her for a portrait of your pet via her Etsy page. She also posts new work to Instagram. Look, share, follow, SUPPORT local artists. Sarah hosts shows in local coffee shops and even hair salons, but most of her work is sold via word of mouth. So spread the word.